SCIEN 2017: Professor Sean Follmer

Abstract: Recent advances in display technology and computational power have allowed virtual reality (VR) to once again seize attention both in academia and in industry. While today’s VR displays have developed to provide immersive visual experiences, the sense of touch is largely ignored. In our everyday lives physical interaction and haptic perception play an important role in allowing us to dexterously manipulate objects and aiding in our cognitive processes in complex tasks. Yet, there are many barriers to to the adoption of active haptic devices for VR, including cost, comfort, and fidelity. My research investigates new techniques and technologies that can make haptic feedback devices lower cost and less cumbersome. Our belief is that meaningful haptic feedback is essential for immersive virtual reality.

 

Biography: Sean Follmer is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science (by courtesy) at Stanford University. His Research in Human Computer Interaction, Haptics, and Human Robot Interaction explores the design of novel tactile physical interfaces and robotic devices. Dr. Follmer directs the Stanford Shape Lab and is a faculty member of the Stanford HCI Group.

Dr. Follmer received a PhD and a Masters from the MIT Media Lab in 2015 and 2011 (respectively) for his work in human-computer interaction, and a BS in Engineering from Stanford University. His talk featured on TED.com was named one of the best science and tech TED talks of 2015 and has been viewed more than 1.4 million times. He has received numerous awards for his research and design work such as Best Paper Awards and nominations from premier conferences in human-computer interaction (ACM UIST and CHI conferences), Fast Company Innovation By Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, and a Laval Virtual Award. His work has been shown at the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, Ars Electronica Center, and the Milan Design Week.